THE OLD WALNUT FARM
Chassaignes Dordogne France
Wild Life you may see
Deer - At daybreak deer can be spotted grazing among our walnut trees. Sometimes lingering, but more often than not they graze on the move.
Boar - More shy even than deer are wild boar which tend to move in small family groups - there is one nearby numbering six. Sightings are rare and usually at night when they break cover to move to new feeding grounds.
Red Squirrels - these are something else! We have guests, from England, who have never seen the red variety! Here we are home to at least two pairs and these can be seen regularly feeding and at play.
Birds - Birds, both in the number of species and quantity, are also another matter. Many, rare to England, find it easier to survive here and as such are more prolific.
A simple list of those to be seen are both the Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker; the Barn Swallow and Firecrest nest on site; Buzzards, Kites and Kestrels are commonly seen hunting in the fields; Jay's are also common; occassionally an eagle (a cause of some debate) and Kingfisher's can be seen on the wing bringing food back to their young in nests in the riverbanks of the Dronne - a pair could be seen at river-beach at St. Aulaye;
Some trips out
Click on the place name for a direct link to it's website.
Angouleme - sitting on the river Charente, is also the departmental capital of the Charente. The old district is located on a hill overlooking the river with good views of the area, with the 12 th century cathedral of St. Pierre at it's centre. There are several museums in the city, including Le Nil, devoted to paper and paper-making. Angouleme holds the national comic strip festival in January.
Angouleme is 45 minutes away and has a train station providing TGV links to Paris and Lille (for connections through to St. Pancras via Eurostar) and Bordeaux.
Aubeterre sur Dronne - Aubeterre is built on the side of a stone outcrop in the shape of an amphitheatre looking out over the R.Dronne and it's flood plain. A deserved member of "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France" (The Most Beautiful Villages of France). But it has more than just beauty! The shear size of it's 12 c. church carved out inside the chalk bedrock makes just that visit a unique experience.
There are superb views from the top of the village. Further down is a rectangular tree lined square - at night turning into an open-air banqueting hall - the smell of roasted garlic and herbs, the noise of those on holiday succumbing to the suduction of smooth wines is a greeting hard to resist. The bohemian Hotel de France (was it lifted from the Parisian Left Bank?) rests in one corner, in the opposite - a butterfly museum! With narrow streets threading between houses whose beauty only happens accidently or not at all, this is a place to dawdle and let the eyes explore. Somewhere there is a puppet theatre?
Close enough (10 minutes) to make several visits - make one of them a meal in the square as it's turning dark. There is a 'river beach' (becoming increasingly popular again in France) with canoe & kayak hire close by - the river here is navigable for many miles - and long trips can be had courtesy of the 'hire company' transporting you and the canoes by road; you paddle back! There is good fun here for children of all ages - the beach, a playground, tennis courts, the puppets and butterflies.
Bergerac - approx. 70 minutes away, with it's airport, is becoming increasing popular as the point of arrival for British holiday makers. More than this though it is better known for it's fine wines and as the French capital of tobacco. The old town is very interesting with the riverside port originating from the time when Bergerac was a link between the coast and the interior regions of the Auvergne and the Limousin.
Bordeaux - A 'world' city, perhaps not in terms of size or population, but surely in terms of interest. Wine and architecture are the two key words. The city is the center of French wine-making, situated on the Garonne river, and about 90 minutes away. Not only noted for it's fabulous wines, but also for it's beautiful architecture. The large shopping centers are located the 'Bordeaux Lac', but the stylish metropolitan boutiques, as well as cafes and restaurants, are to be found in the city center. Head for the centre - thats where the real essence of Bordeaux is to be found. Start the day early, go past Bordeaux to Arcachon, lying on the Basin that takes it's name, (another 30 minutes) and spend the morning on it's beautifully clean beach before it gets too hot, and then back into Bordeaux for the afternoon.
Brantome - the 'Venice of the Perigord' - well, not quite, but the Dronne does makes it's presence felt throughout the town. There are good views around every corner, and it is a lovely place. Guided tours in the abbey are available, or visit the museum which is set in the cliff face. Canoeing, kayaking and boat tours are available on the river - never been quite sure whether looking at others doing it, or doing myself, is better - let the kids decide.
Well worth a visit (40 minutes drive time)- especially if you work it around dinner - find the very atmospheric pizza restaurant with the (traditional) oven set centre stage.
Cognac - Situated on the river Charente and about 90 minutes away, Cognac is an historic town giving it's name to one of the world's most famous eau-de-vie. Tours of the distilleries and vineyards can be arranged at the local tourist office. Also available are boat trips up the river to Angouleme.
Perigueux - Capital city of the Dordogne, lying on the river Isle, with all the services of a major regional centre should possess. Good shops, an attractive 'old quarter' with pedestrianised/cobbled streets and alleys. A good feel of 'Cosmopolitan France' and clean, always clean (as is everywhere else!).
Originally built by the Romans around 100 AD, and, not suprisingly, there are several museums containing the remains of Roman buildings and artifacts - see the Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum. The cathedral of St Front is very impressive, especially when viewed from the other side of the river. This was rebuilt in 1852 by the architect Abadie, who used the design as the basis for the more famous Sacre Coeur Basilica in Paris. The church of St Etienne de la Cite dating from the 12 th century and is also worth a visit.
Riberac, 15 minutes away by car, is a busy market town serving the region. It has most facilities - cash machines, four supermarkets, 24 hr. diesel/petrol, butchers & breadshops, doctors and a hospital. Typically it has one major road serving as the 'High St.' which, in the town centre, widens out and is connected with a large 'square' - Plac de Gaulle. This where the market is held - always on a Friday morning, in full swing by 09.00 and starts to break up around 13.00. If you like markets this is a 'must see' so set aside all morning - the food part is something special! Around this central part are some excellent restaurants, cafes and bars.
St Emillion - is the place to go if interested in all things wine. Originally a walled town, with much of it remaining preserving the early town within it.
Other Places of Interest
Grotte De Villars
Lascaux Caves
Futuroscope Park
Closer to home
The swimming pool - stays in direct sun-light until at least 19.30, so it is possible to take a trip out first and still get plenty of time in the water at it's hottest - late afternoon. (If there is 'grocery' shopping to be done, then morning is best. To minimize this chore the gite fridges are quite big, and we have a large chest freezer to help out if needed.
Walking - strolling through the local lanes or fields, especially in the evening, is a quiet and calming activity. We are preparing a series of walks with guides and comments. These will be available from the start of the 2007 season.
Canoeing & Kayaking - There are many points along the river Dronne where canoes can be hired - Riberac, Brantome and, perhaps the best place, Aubeterre. Here one can be hired, for an hour, for about £5 without deposit - you have to stay within half a mile of the bridge. If you are more adventurous, then the hire company will transport your party and canoes to a location further a field, and then you paddle back - a nice arrangement.
Golf - If you find it difficult to put down the clubs for a couple of weeks, then there are several courses in the area, with the nearest only about 20 minutes away.